Inspired by cellist Jean Louis Duport, Beethoven's Op. 5 Sonatas marked the final emancipation of the cello, which had previously been limited to basso continuo or orchestral roles.
Composition History
All of Beethoven's works for cello and piano were written after 1795, the year his hearing loss began.
Interpretation
Performers Martin Rummel (cello) and Gerda Guttenberg (piano) have worked together since 1987 and studied Beethoven's cello works since 1995, basing their performance on research.
Critical Reception
The second sonata in D major (Op. 102/2) was long considered unplayable and remains one of the most demanding cello works, comparable to Bach's Solo Suites.
Composition History
Beethoven's Op. 5 Sonatas were dedicated to Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia, who was an amateur cellist and music lover.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Op. 102 Sonatas, written in 1815, anticipate his late style and were even called 'Free Sonatas' by the composer.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's music often lived in his head for years before he wrote it down, as he was a diligent developer of musical material.
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